It's
always a good idea for homeowners to examine their property
improvements to determine whether local bylaws are being
observed. Consequences of misguided landscape/hardscape
additions can cost property owners thousands in remedies.
Property bylaws usually follow common sense, with local
distinctions made by municipal governments.

Definitions
Landscape: Includes varied green plant matter dressing
a home's exterior, including lawn, plants, trees, bushes
or even water plants.

Hardscape:
Includes non-horticultural improvements to a property,
such as the addition of a pool, pond, deck, gazebo,
lawn ornament, shed, fencing or rock culture.

Abiding
By the Rules

Depending
on where you live, you may be required to obtain
a building permit before you construct a gazebo
or deck.

Decks
and gazebos: There are bylaws stating that local
building permits must be secured before building decks,
gazebos or other outdoor structures. Many homeowners
bypass this requirement and, by doing so, risk building
a structure that may not comply with code or that may
be too close to the property line. Homeowners with elaborate
two-storey decks should always obtain building inspections
to ensure the structures meet safety codes.

A
municipality can force an owner to dismantle outdoor
decks
that do not comply. Also, home insurers have indicated
that an unsafe deck that hasn't been inspected may be
uninsured for injury claims that are a result of the
structure.